An oft-repeated story

How can we embody sacrifice beyond the ritual slaughter?

A few notes and reflections on a webinar delivered by Ustadha Karima Chowdhury during the Al-Muhsinat Dhul Hijjah event. Sisters can tune in during the ten nights by registering here. 🐑

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Having heard the story behind the sacrificial Eid year after year in my childhood, I hadn’t reflected much on the emotions underlying the acts of sacrifice carried out by Ibraheem (AS) and his family. Last nights talk gave me an opportunity to view the story I’d memorised over two decades ago from a new lens, igniting awe and respect for the spirit of sacrifice and tawakkul. With a refreshed understanding, the concept of sacrifice elevates beyond an annual payment to slaughter an animal into a practical, conscious, and spiritually elevating effort that can, inshaAllah, continue beyond this season of Hajj.

Honouring Hajar

Having given birth, Hajar (AS) was in one of the most vulnerable states a woman can be in. She agreed to be left alone in a barren land with her infant son, giving up the security and provision that every woman relies on from her husband. In that state – alone, scared, in the middle of nowhere, with a baby, and in a scorching desert – she sacrificed her need for support and companionship for the sake of Allah. Without her husband to rely on for security and provisions, she relied wholly on the Almighty.

On reflection, Hajar’s (AS) harsh physical surroundings sound like a nightmare let alone the emotional turmoil she must have been in. How immense Hajar’s love for Allah must have been for her to put her and her child’s life on the line in the arid landscape that would eventually be irrigated by the water that Allah sent for her.

As to when Prophet Ibraheem would return, Hajar was unaware. I can only guess the anxious flurry of thoughts that must have been racing through her mind as time passed on and her baby became increasingly unsettled. As the intensity of the Arabian sun blazed down on the vast expanse of desert, Hajar and Isma’eel’s throats dried up and Isma’eel began to cry.

Studies have shown the brain activity patterns of women at the sound of a baby crying. Regions of the brain associated with readiness (taking action) and planning activate immediately. To the mother of the child – to Hajar at the sound of Isma’eel’s cries – an innate motherly instinct kicks in. A primal desperation overcame Hajar as she frantically began running in search of water. In an unknown landscape that stretched on for miles, where the desert dunes simultaneously echoed and swallowed Isma’eel’s wails and Hajar’s pleas for help, she had to make the decision to put her inconsolable child down on the desert floor and start running. To where? She had no idea, but her maternal drive overcame her entire being.

As this unbelievable scenario played out, Allah SWT was watching. He, the One who is more merciful than a mother to her child, the answerer of prayers, the All-Knowing, All-Seeing and Fully-Aware, was watching. Allah knew Hajar’s every emotion, every ounce of pain and discomfort, be it the physical exertion of running in the desert or the emotional and psychological toll. Her sacrifice and enduring of the subsequent trials were so loved and cherished by Allah SWT that she is commemorated by every pilgrim, her act of running between mounts Safa and Marwah imitated by both men and women until the end of time.

Sa’ee (the act of running seven times between Safa and Marwah) is a symbol of many sacrifices: that of Hajar (AS) sacrificing her safety, comfort, and security, as well as her infant’s by agreeing to her husband leaving her; the unmatched sacrifice of a mother for her child as she ran frantically in the scorching heat in an attempt to quench his thirst, and the immense sacrifice of Ibraheem (AS) when he walked away from his wife and only child knowing the fragility of their condition.

Isma’eel: a coveted gift

As Isma’eel (AS) grew up, the bond between father and son morphed into a beautiful friendship and it was after this that Allah instructed Ibraheem to sacrifice his son. The devoted father consulted his son demonstrating value for his opinion as well as trust in Isma’eel’s character and his fear of Allah.

Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.” (Qur’an 37:102)

Viewed from the lens of a doting parent to his only child, a child so deeply adored and anticipated after years of waiting, Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son strikes a chord. He was willing to give up his only son, his blood, his line of descent, his friend, and the coolness of his eyes for the sake of Allah. Allah SWT was witness to father and son’s acceptance and He loved their submission so much that we sacrifice an animal in memory of this event year after year.

Sacrifice, submission, and love

The underlying themes throughout the story of Ibraheem, Hajar and Isma’eel are of sacrifice, submission, and love for Allah. Love for Allah alone wasn’t enough – it was proven through sacrifice. The sacrifice didn’t comprise simply of agreeing to let go of something beloved but it was followed by trial after trial, difficulty upon difficulty. Forbearance in the face of these difficulties and persistent submission invited immense reward from Allah SWT.

So pray and sacrifice to your Lord ˹alone˺. (108:2)

We often harbour a passive, one-sided relationship with Allah where we expect and feel entitled to His rewards without putting in the effort. Allah SWT isn’t in need of our sacrifice; rather through sacrifice we attain spiritual elevation, purification of the soul, and rewards – gains worth sacrificing and making an effort for.

You will never achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah. (3:92)

When something means a lot to us and we forgo it for the sake of Allah – that’s sacrifice, and that is the path to attaining His love. The sacrifices we make can be financial, but also verbal and physical. In whatever way, shape or form, when we do it for the sake of Allah, it counts. In this way, the spirit of sacrifice stays with us throughout the rest of the year through small yet weighty choices in our daily lives.

Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers. (22:37)

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